The Cock pub in Hemingford Grey named Cambridgeshire’s best in Good Pub Guide

October 13, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 (15:44)

Good Food Guide Winners, The Cock at Hemingford Grey, (l-r) General manager Tim Prior and head chef Chris Brading

THE Cock in Hemingford Grey has landed the prestigious County Dining Pub of the Year for a record fifth time.

THE Cock in Hemingford Grey has landed the prestigious County Dining Pub of the Year award for a record fifth time.

Richard Bradley and Oliver Thain’s outlet has won the Good Pub Guide prize five out of the last six years, but the judges decided the Cock’s simple mix of good traditional British food served to a high quality was too good to ignore.

Proving it is a hit with the customers as well as the food critics, staff also predict their best-ever year to date with takings 13 per cent up on last year.

Mr Thain said: “It’s fantastic that the judges still decided to give it to us because they think we are still at the top of our game. “We really weren’t expecting to win but more than anything it is about consistency. People know that when they come here they will get good value for money and that they will walk away happy.”

The owners said they focused on “courteous, friendly and professional standards” and added: “We wouldn’t dream of appointing anyone who isn’t customer-friendly.”

Mr Bradley, a former head chef at The Anchor in Sutton, near Ely, and Mr Thain took over The Cock in 2001.

“The village needed something like this but it was hard work. A huge amount of effort went in during the early years,” Mr Thain said.

The pair have since expanded their business empire to include other pubs and restaurants but still help out behind the bar and in the kitchen where they can.